MPPSC question paper leak: STF quizzing Pandey about links with MP

The Special Task Force (STF) is quizzing Akhilesh Pandey, the inter-state scamster, who was recently arrested in connection with the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) question papers leak.

The Special Task Force (STF) is quizzing Akhilesh Pandey, the inter-state scamster, who was recently arrested in connection with the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission (MPPSC) question papers leak.

Pandey is the alleged mastermind and leader of the gang that was involved in leaking the question papers in five states.

He is accused of leaking and selling the question papers of the MPPSC preliminary and main examination apart from the Ayurvedic Medical Officers (AMO) examination that was conducted by the commission.

The STF officials are quizzing Pandey about his links in Madhya Pradesh, especially the manner in which he got the papers leaked from the supposedly secure system of the MPPSC.

"The gang operated from Bihar, but had strong connections in other states and his men managed to get the paper out from the printing press," said an STF officer.

"Among those members of the racket caught earlier include Rajiv Prasad, Dinesh Kapil, Brajendra Gupta, Vinay Kumar, Ilyas Qureshi, Bedi Ram and Sanjay Kumar. However, Pandey was at large for almost a year and was hiding in his native town in Bihar, where he was caught. Now, the people who were linked to him have to be identified and caught," the officer added.

Pandey, 44, carried a reward on his arrest.

The STF had tried to catch Pandey several times earlier this year but whenever he received information about the STF's arrival, he would move into the Maoist area in Chaubar (Bihar) to escape arrest, STF sources said.